Book Review: Growing Great Kids by Kate Battistelli

In this wonderful book, Growing Great Kids, by Kate Batistelli, you will find so many practical tips for raising children not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.  Kate is the mom of Dove Award winning artist Francesca Battistelli (whom I personally adore).  Now, when I her Francesca Battistelli on the radio, I’m like, “I know her mom!”  That’s how I feel after reading this book.

There are so many great things about it, but the chapter that spoke most powerfully to me is chapter 2: The Power of a Parent’s Words.  Oh my goodness.  Having seen people absolutely shredded by words in the past, and having a close loved one verbally abused by their father…this chapter is CRUCIAL for anyone who HAS children, or who is thinking about having children.

  

The power of our words, especially as parents, carries more weight than we can imagine.  Parents are the number one influence in a child’s life.  What we say can literally bring them life, or death.  Kate showed a great example for parents as she continually spoke (out loud) “Franny’s” destiny and God’s great plans for her.  So it’s not only sparing the negative, but verbally acknowledging the positive.

There’s one other thing that I simply adored, and couldn’t possibly write this review without.  In chapter 10 “When Your Ceiling Becomes Their Floor,” Kate says, “We allowed the seed of our desires to die and go into the ground.  They laid dormant there for many years before bearing fruit in Francesa’s life.”  Wow.  First of all, to be obedient to God and lay down your OWN desires for your children and let HIS develop in them, and then to have to WAIT!  Right now I’m thrilled to bits that my son is only six!

And just the title…I have to think about when my ceiling becomes Jacob’s floor; when my ability to nurture, help and teach him stops, and whatever I have done in those precious years, then THAT becomes his floor, his foundation.  What a responsibility!

I would recommend this book to anyone with young children, or anyone who plans on having children.  While I didn’t agree with every single little detail in this book, the majority of it lines up with the way I want to raise my son.  

Growing Great Kids is AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE in bookstores and major retailers for $14.99.
Your readers can buy discounted and personally autographed copies here.
Or purchase online at: Amazon, Christianbook.com, Barnes&Noble or their favorite online retailer.

About the Author:

Kate Battistelli is a wife, author, speaker, former Broadway actress, and mom to one of Christian music’s most celebrated new recording artists—Grammy-nominated, Christian contemporary singer-songwriter Francesca Battistelli.

Kate currently volunteers at ESTHER Single Mothers Outreach and is thoroughly enjoying her newest role as grandmother to Francesca’s first child, Matthew Elijah.

She writes about parenting, food and faith regularly at KateBattistelli.com.

A Note From The Author:
     
"I want to share with you that I'm not a childrearing expert. But I am an expert in raising my child just as you're an expert in raising yours.

No one knows your child better than you do and no one will love them, pray for them and fight for their future like you will. I’m passionate about helping you believe God has a Big Purpose, a God-sized plan for your precious family.

I have no interest in greatness but I have a great interest in helping you raise great kids and encouraging you to partner with God to uncover their unique destiny. Our children are entrusted to us for such a short season and our job is to nurture, guide, train and help them become all God has called them to be!"

Blessings,
Kate

Learn more about Kate at: http://katebattistelli.com/about-me/meet-kate/

Kate's website: http://katebattistelli.com/

Kate on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KateBattistelli

Kate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/katebattistelli

Youtube video of Kate's Interview with Today's Issues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMjUnMV3hts 

Francesca's website: http://www.francescamusic.com/



 I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.